Director of Development

The Out-of-Door Academy•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, Florida, is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead its development team and grow philanthropic support for the School, with a strong focus on the Annual Fund. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), this is a 12-month, full-time, exempt position available immediately. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The Director of Development provides strategic direction and supervision to three direct reports, oversees the division’s budget and expenditures, and partners with the Director of Annual Giving to plan and achieve Annual Fund revenue goals. The role also manages a personal portfolio of leadership and major gift donors and prospects, translating the CAO’s philanthropic priorities into coordinated fundraising plans and donor engagement strategies. The Director uses data and reporting to track progress and inform decisions, collaborating with advancement operations staff and partners to uphold data integrity standards. Candidates should demonstrate the School’s values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin are encouraged to apply. An accepted offer is contingent on successful completion of a national background screening and drug testing. Candidates must also complete a video submission interview through SparkHire; an application is complete once the video submission is received. Cover letters should address what attracts the candidate to the position, Out-of-Door, and the Sarasota community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 6 years of development experience.
At least 5 years of management experience.
Strong project management skills and a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Excellent computer skills.
Proficiency in G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Development experience at an educational institution is ideal.
Independent school experience preferred.
Proficiency in Raiser's Edge and RE NXT preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior fundraising partner to the Chief Advancement Officer, leading the development team and growing philanthropic support for the School, especially the Annual Fund.
Provide strategic direction and supervision to the development team, which has three direct reports, and oversee the division’s budget and expenditures.
Partner with the Director of Annual Giving to set, plan, and achieve Annual Fund revenue goals, increasing participation, retention, and giving levels.
Manage a personal portfolio of leadership and major gift donors and prospects, leading their cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Translate the Chief Advancement Officer’s philanthropic priorities into coordinated fundraising plans, goals, and donor engagement strategies across the team.
Use data and reporting to track fundraising progress and inform decisions, partnering with advancement operations staff and partners to uphold data integrity standards.
Live the School’s mission and core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility.